I'm trying to figure out what else could be contributing
Cognitive symptoms can have more than one contributor. Some conditions can cause cognitive symptoms, mimic cognitive disorders, or worsen cognition in someone who also has a neurodegenerative disease.
These are not simply \u201creversible causes of dementia.\u201d Some conditions can cause cognitive symptoms on their own. Others can worsen cognition in someone who also has a neurodegenerative disease. A thorough evaluation considers all of these possibilities — often at the same time.
What could be contributing?
Select a category to learn how it can affect cognition and what to discuss with your clinician.
Finding another contributor does not automatically rule out a neurodegenerative disease.
Multiple things can be true at once. Someone can have a thyroid disorder and Alzheimer's disease. Finding a contributing factor is important — it may partially explain the symptoms and may be treatable — but it doesn't automatically mean there's nothing else going on. This is why a comprehensive evaluation matters.
What to do next
If you're trying to understand what might be contributing to cognitive changes, a healthcare provider can help evaluate the full range of possibilities. The Diagnostic Checklist can help you prepare for that conversation.